The Brisbane Australian football community mourns the peaceful passing of Peter “Cubo” Cubis, who died peacefully at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, after a courageous battle with illness that had kept him in and out of hospitals since June.
For more than six decades, Cubo was one of the most loved and respected figures across two proud clubs: the Mayne Tigers and the Banyo Bloods.
His lifelong friend Rod Judd shared the sad news through the Mayne Tigers, offering a heartfelt tribute to a man who positively impacted many lives on and off the field.
A Country Boy Who Conquered Brisbane Footy
Born in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Peter moved to Brisbane in 1961 and started at Ascot State School, where he met Rod Judd.
That chance meeting at the age of ten sparked a brotherhood that would last 64 years and pull both boys into a lifetime love affair with Australian football.
Cubo wasted no time making his mark at Mayne.
As a junior, he played in premiership teams, later returned to coach more junior premiership sides, and quickly established himself as one of the most naturally gifted players the club had seen.
Quick, beautifully balanced, deadly on both fee,t and blessed with a pinpoint stab pass, he drew comparisons that still resonate today.
In 1967, he represented Queensland at the under-17 level and was best afield against New South Wales.
The following year, 1968, he created QAFL history by polling a record 35 votes to win the Clem Ryan Medal as the competition’s best and fairest colts player, a feat that still stands out in the record books.
Between 1968 and 1970, he played more than 50 A-grade games for Mayne in an era when the Tigers were stacked with star rovers, including interstate recruits.
Even Mayne’s hard-to-please Colts coach, Keith Watson, once told Rod Judd that Cubo was the closest player he’d seen to the explosive Jason Akermanis, high praise from a man who rarely handed out compliments.
In 2024, Mayne’s centenary year, Peter Cubis was rightfully among the inaugural inductees into the club’s Hall of Fame, a moment of immense pride for a man who bled black and gold.
In 1972, everything changed when Banyo came calling.
At just 23, Cubo accepted the challenge to captain-coach the Bloods, and the move would define the rest of his football life.
He delivered immediate success, steering Banyo to back-to-back senior premierships in 1972 and 1973, and added a third flag in 1980 when he captain-coached the reserves to glory.
Three premierships as captain-coach remain an extraordinary achievement and a testament to his leadership and ability to bring out the best in those around him.
Beyond playing, Cubo poured his heart into the club.
He coached juniors, served as senior president at a remarkably young age, and was a near-permanent fixture on the committee.
In return, Banyo honoured him with life membership and the coveted red club blazer.
To generations of Bloods players and supporters, he will forever be remembered as the ultimate Banyo man.
Peter Cubis’ death has deeply affected the Queensland football community.
Matt Stewart, who was persuaded to join Banyo by Cubo himself, wrote:
“It is a very sad day in the club’s history. Cubo was always ready to give a hand, give advice whether it be in life or football. He was one of the reasons I went to Banyo… He was a legend and will never be forgotten. RIP Cubo.”
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Lorraine Lydement added:
“Such a lovely person, always made us laugh even when he was sick. RIP Cubo, you’ll be sadly missed.”
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Even rival coaches remembered him with deep respect. Douglas Knight said:
“You were always friendly to the opposition coaches & I respected that very much: a gracious opponent & bloody good bloke that I grew to befriend after footy.”
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And Hendrik van der Kamp spoke for the wider Brisbane football community:
“Wonderful man remembered by all Brisbane Australian Football Fraternity. RIP.”
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In his tribute, Rod Judd summed up what so many are feeling:
“His hard battle is over and he can now rest in peace. He will be greatly missed by his family and so many people who knew him… I am grateful we met then and maintained our brotherly relationship which can’t be taken away. RIP my brother.”
Via Facebook
The Mayne Tigers and Banyo Bloods have both extended their deepest sympathy to Peter’s wife Michelle, son Michael, and their families.
Funeral details will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
Many have already flagged their intention to gather at the annual Banyo Bloods Reunion on Saturday, 6 December, to celebrate the life of a man who embodied everything good about grassroots football, talent, loyalty, mateship, and a larrikin spirit that never faded.
Rest in peace, Cubo. Brisbane footy will never see your like again.
Up the Bloods. Up the Tigers.
